The Book of Gold: A 17th Century Magical Grimoire of Amulets, Charms, Prayers, Sigils and Spells Using the Biblical Psalms of King David by Barron, Harry; , Rankine, David

The Book of Gold: A 17th Century Magical Grimoire of Amulets, Charms, Prayers, Sigils and Spells Using the Biblical Psalms of King David — photo 1

Grimoires

The Book of Gold: A 17th Century Magical Grimoire of Amulets, Charms, Prayers, Sigils and Spells Using the Biblical Psalms of King David

Name: The Book of Gold: A 17th Century Magical Grimoire of Amulets, Charms, Prayers, Sigils and Spells Using the Biblical Psalms of King David
Price: 75.00 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (2 reviews)
Author: Barron, Harry; , Rankine, David
ISBN: 9781905297399

Barron, Harry; , Rankine, David

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4.7

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$75.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unlock a 17th-century treasure of forgotten charms and sacred power.

This seminal text, *Le Livre d'Or*, offers a rare glimpse into 17th-century French magical practice, now available in English for the first time. It compiles an extensive array of amulets, sigils, prayers, and spells, all meticulously crafted around the potent verses of King David's Biblical Psalms. More than a mere collection of rituals, this work illuminates the continuous thread of Psalmic magic, revealing its deep roots in ancient traditions from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Greek Magical Papyri, and its enduring influence across Western esoteric currents.

Key themes

Psalmic Esotericism Ancient Magical Lineage Grimoire Tradition

Historical context

This text bridges ancient esoteric currents, tracing Psalmic magic from the Dead Sea Scrolls and Greek Magical Papyri through to 17th-century French practice. It serves as a vital link in the historical continuity of Western occult traditions centered on sacred verse.

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

The Greek Magical Papyri · Dead Sea Scrolls · Western Esotericism

📕 Grimoires

🏛 Avalonia 📅 2010 📖 294 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781905297399

Fun fact

This remarkable English translation fills a crucial gap for students of historical magic. *The Book of Gold* brilliantly illustrates how biblical texts were interwoven into practical folk and ceremonial magic, providing invaluable historical context. While it might disappoint those seeking complex theoretical frameworks, its straightforward instructions and clear lineage make it an essential primary source. It firmly establishes itself as a significant document in the study of Western grimoire traditions and the enduring power of sacred language in occult practice.

📚 This book appears in Esoterica Books

📜 The Book of Abramelin 🗝️ The Key of Solomon 😈 The Goetia

📝 Description: The Book of Gold: A 17th Century Magical Grimoire of Amulets, Charms, Prayers, Sigils and Spells Using the Biblical Psalms of King David

Le Livre d'Or (The Book of Gold) is a unique 17th century French magical work comprising numerous amulets, charms, prayers, spells and sigils for working with the Biblical Book of the Psalms of King David. Written in a simple style akin to a medieval Book of Secrets combined with magical practices from the ancient world, Le Livre d'Or brings together practices which have their roots in major works from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Cairo Genizah, to the Greek Magical Papyri and Sepher Shimmush Tehillim (Magical Use of the Psalms). Now translated into English for the first time, this exceptional text demonstrates the significance of the Psalms as a unifying and vital thread throughout the development of Western magic. From Sweden to Syria, Britain to the Baltic, the use of appropriate Psalms has spread as a significant part of popular folk and religious magic, and Le Livre d'Or is an inimitable example of the transmission of divine power through the written and spoken word. Le Livre d'Or was originally bound as part of Lansdowne MS 1202 with a 17th century French copy of the most important of grimoires, the Key of Solomon. The extensive commentary by David Rankine and Paul Harry Barron emphasises the place of the Psalms within the Grimoire tradition, detailing their extensive apotropaic, amuletic and coercive uses in works such as the Book of Abramelin, the Key of Solomon and the Goetia. The editors also illustrate how the magic of the Psalms has underlain and cross-fertilised numerous traditions over the last two thousand years, from Hellenic magicians, early Christians and Jews of the ancient world to practitioners of the medieval Grimoires and Renaissance Cunning-folk. Whether it was for benevolent or malefic results, Le Livre d'Or provided the appropriate Psalm verses and relevant techniques. This previously ignored work is an outstanding example of eminently practical magic which not only draws on such major works as the Heptameron and the Steganographia, but also many of the divine names found in the Kabbalah. From Saints to spirits, characters to Creeds, Le Livre d'Or shines forth as a significant and reclaimed chapter in the Western Esoteric Traditions. There is also a paperback edition available of this book.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This work stands as a significant contribution to the study of historical magic, offering a first-time English translation of a seminal 17th-century French grimoire. Its strength lies in documenting the practical application of King David’s Psalms within amulets and charms, illuminating their historical trajectory from ancient texts to early modern rituals. However, it may not suit readers seeking contemporary spellcasting instructions or those uninterested in academic or historical contexts. It is specifically tailored for those with a serious interest in the textual and practical history of Western esotericism rather than casual curiosity.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Scholars and practitioners of Western esotericism will find this volume indispensable for its rare translation of *Le Livre d'Or*. It offers a unique window into how 17th-century magicians utilized the Biblical Psalms to craft potent amulets, sigils, and spells. Readers interested in the historical evolution of magical practice, particularly those tracing the lineage from ancient Jewish mysticism through classical antiquity to early modern Europe, will appreciate this meticulous compilation. It is essential for anyone seeking to understand the deep roots of Psalmic magic and its enduring influence on subsequent occult currents.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're a practitioner or scholar of historical magic, or simply fascinated by the intersection of faith and folk practice, this volume offers unparalleled insight. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring power of biblical verses in esoteric traditions.

Reader rating

4.7

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This work stands as a significant contribution to the study of historical magic, offering a first-time English translation of a seminal 17th-century French grimoire. Its strength lies in documenting the practical application of King David’s Psalms within amulets and charms, illuminating their historical trajectory from ancient texts to early modern rituals. However, it may not suit readers seeking contemporary spellcasting instructions or those uninterested in academic or historical contexts. It is specifically tailored for those with a serious interest in the textual and practical history of Western esotericism rather than casual curiosity.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It outlines methods for creating amulets, sigils, charms, and spells, primarily utilizing specific Biblical Psalms for various practical purposes like protection, blessing, or influence.

This is a 17th-century French magical grimoire, *Le Livre d'Or*, which has been newly translated into English, offering a direct window into historical occult practices.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Psalmic Esotericism

Explore how the divine words of the Psalms were reinterpreted and applied as practical tools for magical workings. This volume details specific verses employed for protection, healing, prosperity, and other intentions, demonstrating how sacred scripture transformed into a potent magical formulary within historical occultism.

Ancient Magical Lineage

Trace the profound historical continuity of magical practice. *The Book of Gold* links its 17th-century methods directly to foundational ancient texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Greek Magical Papyri, illustrating how esoteric knowledge persisted and evolved through various cultures and epochs, culminating in this unique grimoire.

Grimoire Tradition

Understand *Le Livre d'Or*'s place within the rich tradition of magical handbooks. Bound originally with a copy of the *Key of Solomon*, it exemplifies the practical, instruction-based nature of grimoires, offering direct, step-by-step guidance for invoking spiritual forces through specific rituals and sacred language, akin to a medieval 'Book of Secrets'.

💬 Quotes from the book

“To invoke protection from unseen harms, recite Psalm 23 over a blessed amulet of pure silver, carrying it always near your heart.”

“For the calming of a troubled spirit, write Psalm 91 upon parchment with ink of blessed water, and place it beneath the pillow at night.”

📜 Historical context

Originating in 17th-century France, *The Book of Gold* emerges from a period rich in grimoire production. Its initial binding alongside the *Key of Solomon* signals its significant standing within the Western esoteric canon. This work highlights the pervasive use of Psalms in folk magic, a practice spanning centuries and continents, demonstrating how divine text became a cornerstone of practical occultism.

📚 Glossary

Grimoire
Sigil
Psalms

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does the integration of sacred scripture, like the Psalms, into magical practice challenge or confirm your understanding of both religion and magic?
Reflect on a personal intention you hold. Which Psalm, or even a different sacred text, might you intuitively connect with that intention for a meditative or magical purpose?
Consider the historical transmission of magical knowledge. What might *Le Livre d'Or*'s connection to texts like the *Key of Solomon* or the Greek Magical Papyri tell us about the universality of certain esoteric principles?